How to Video Conference with Blackboard Collaborate

Elluminate and Wimba have merged and created Blackboard Collaborate. This has been chosen by ACS (QLD) for video conferencing.
It allows: multiple site video PC screen sharing VOIP audioWhiteboard sharing text chatrecording and up to 100 remote users.Large Image of Blackboard Collaborate User Interface

Remote User Requirements

Internet connection

PC or Mac or Linux computer

Internet Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari

Java Enabled

Hyperlink for desired conference as participant

Presenter Site Requirements

Internet connection

PC or Mac or Linux computer

Internet Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari

Java Enabled

Hyperlink for video conference as moderator from Blackboard

Webcam

Microphone/s

The Blackboard Collaborate Moderator user interface has 3 tabs.
Join room Meet Now button will start a video conference.
Invite participants has a hyperlink for joining a video conference.
View Recordings has a list of hyperlinks for previous recorded video conferences.
The links can be used to see the video conference at any time.

Start a new video conference for the moderator or presenter

Start this process 10 minutes or more before the start of the video conference.

From an approved browser, click moderator hyperlink provided by Blackboard.

Click Meet Now button

Click OK to open file Meeting.jnlp

Java will start automatically

Click Run to start Blackboard Collaborate.

Wait for 1-2 minutes for Blackboard Collaborate to open

Test webcam using Tools - Video - Camera Settings menu

Test microphone using Tools - Audio - Audio Setup Wizard

Load any presentations by clicking Load Content button. This can take a few minutes to upload.

Click Talk button to turn on microphone

Click Video button to turn on webcam

Presentations controls are across the top of the screen

Record button can save the video conference for later. Recording can be paused and resumed.

Remote User Access

Allow 5 to 10 minutes ahead of conference time to set up your connection

Click on video conference hyperlink provided by presenter.

Enter Full Name and click Meet Now button

Allow a small meeting file to download (~ 5kB)

Run downloaded file

Wait for Blackboard Collaborate to to load up

Click Accept button to connect to the video conference

Select your connection speed class e.g. DSL and click OK

There are 3 sections - Controls, Video Feeds and PC shared screen

Controls and Video feeds are on the left. PC shared screen windows are on the centre and right. Windows can be resized and moved.

Remote User Controls

Buttons can be used to vote on a topic or repond that you understand etc.

Chat section has a main section showing the whole conversation.

You can add text or questions or comments as required in the lower left textbox. Press Enter when finished.

Audio Conferencing

A headset with microphone is the best connection method. This can be wireless.
A Audio Set Up Wizard is available under Tools - Audio - Audio Setup Wizard to test the mic.
When you want to speak click on the Talk button to turn on.
When finished speaking turn the Talk button off (greyed).
Note, there will be a slight delay in audio transmission.
This method results in the clearest audio conference.

Presentation Sharing

Click Load Content Button

Select presentation to upload PowerPoint, KeyNote, Impress files OK

Allow time to upload presentation.

Participants cannot see the Page Explorer window. Select Hide Page Explorer to minimize along top of screen.

Allow 1-2 seconds for a new slide to be seen by all participants.

Application Screen Sharing

Load the application you want to share. Resize the Window size to 75% of screen.

Click 2nd icon across top for Application Sharing (2 rectangles)

Select from list the application you want to share viewing

Application will appear in main window

Resize application window to fit Blackboard Collaborate main window

Widescreen computers are useful to allow the application and left column controls to share space.

Whiteboard Sharing

Click New Page to have a empty white page appear.

Drawing controls are on the left of the white page

Multiple people can contribute on the same whiteboard

The white page works like a new blank slide. Use Presentation sharing controls to go back to presentation.

Video Conference Single User

A computer with a webcam is required.
There is a maximum of 6 concurrent video feed sources possible.
Lighting from behind the camera towards the user is desired.
Click Video button to activate your webcam.
Your video feed will add to the Video and Audio Window.
Click Video button again to turn off your video feed (greyed).
The quality of your video feed is proportional to your connection speed and lighting.
An ADSL 1 connection will generate about 4 small frames per second
A headset with microphone is still preferred with this connection.

Video Conference Room

A computer with speakers, High Definition webcam, webcam tripod and advanced microphone/s is required.
There is a maximum of 6 concurrent video feed sources possible.
Lighting from behind or above the camera towards the users is desired.
From below the Video and Audio window click Video button to activate your webcam.
Your video feed will add to the Video and Audio window.
Click Video button again to turn off your video feed.
One PC screen can be shared if Application Sharing is clicked on the top menu.
The quality of your video feed is proportional to your connection speed and lighting.

Advanced Microphone Techniques for a room

Keep microphone/s away from loudspeakers

Keep multiple microphones apart

Microphone need to point towards talking participants.

Powered table top microphone can suit a small group.

Multiple wireless microphones can be used for a dynamic group.

A multiple wireless microphone receiver can have a mix output that goes to a computer.